Abstract: Method and apparatus for writing timing based (servo) tracks on magnetic recording tape using complementary servo writer pairs. A magnetic tape intended to store, for instance, computer data conventionally contains servo tracks in addition to the data tracks. Typically many servo tracks and data tracks are arranged laterally across the width of the tape. The adjacent servo tracks (bands) here are complementary in terms of the orientation of their stripes and are written (recorded) by a complementary arranged servo writer pair. This advantageously reduces the position error signal by a substantial amount, even to nearly zero. In one version the servo writers are straight in configuration and in another version they are curved or chevron shape. These complementary servo writer pairs write adjacent servo bands.

Abstract: The present invention, in particular embodiments, is directed to methods, apparatuses and systems that facilitate recording of servo signals on a recording medium such as magnetic tape with high accuracy. Variation of inter-frame and intra-frame placement is substantially reduced by writing successive frames or sub-frames based on a detection of a previously-written frame or sub-frame by a read element. Appropriate placement of the read element in relation to servo write elements, on a multi-gap servo write head, ensures the correct placement of subsequent frames on the recording medium.

Abstract: The claimed embodiments provide methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a servo-actuated positioner for a read/write head that uses a piezoelectric super fine actuator that moves the read/write head to maintain alignment with data tracks on a magnetic tape. The servo-actuated positioner, in one implementation, uses flexures to mechanically support the read/write head. Piezoelectric elements are attached to the flexures in strategic locations to effect movement of the read/write head when the elements are actuated. This configuration achieves a large actuator motion using small piezoelectric elements. Additionally, manufacturability is improved since the piezoelectric elements, which are typically brittle, are attached to the mechanically robust flexures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the detachment of an end of tape from a hub filler during movement of the hub filler along a guide rail during an unloading operation of a tape drive mechanism. Detachment is prevented by a retracting tape dragging the hub filler along the guide rail, so as to maintain adequate tension that prevents detachment of the tape from the hub filler. The hub filler, which is coupled to the tape, guide arm, and guide rail, provides adequate drag force to maintain tension in the tape and prevent damage to the tape or the tape drive mechanism.

Abstract: An example embodiment provides for an apparatus and method, for use in a tape drive system, that supplies tape azimuth error information transduced from servo read elements that are located on differing bumps of a magnetic read/write head. Non-azimuth error information is also transduced from servo read elements located on a read bump. The azimuth error and non-azimuth are utilized to correctly place the magnetic head at a currently selected track of the tape for which data is being written. In one implementation, the servo read elements utilized for transducing the azimuth information are substantially aligned with each other relative to a tape path and disposed on separate bumps. In another implementation, the servo read elements utilized for transducing the azimuth information are not substantially aligned with each other and are disposed diagonally on opposite bumps.

Abstract: The present invention, in particular embodiments, is directed to methods, apparatuses and systems that facilitate recording of servo signals on a recording medium such as magnetic tape with high accuracy. Variation of inter-frame and intra-frame placement is substantially reduced by writing successive frames or sub-frames based on a detection of a previously-written frame or sub-frame by a read element. Appropriate placement of the read element in relation to servo write elements, on a multi-gap servo write head, ensures the correct placement of subsequent frames on the recording medium.

Abstract: The claimed embodiments provide methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a servo-actuated positioner for a read/write head that uses a piezoelectric super fine actuator that moves the read/write head to maintain alignment with data tracks on a magnetic tape. The servo-actuated positioner, in one implementation, uses flexures to mechanically support the read/write head. Piezoelectric elements are attached to the flexures in strategic locations to effect movement of the read/write head when the elements are actuated. This configuration achieves a large actuator motion using small piezoelectric elements. Additionally, manufacturability is improved since the piezoelectric elements, which are typically brittle, are attached to the mechanically robust flexures.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a servo-controlled, head actuator design that has low profile characteristics in both the height and width dimensions. The low height allows the actuator to fit into a half-high tape drive form factor. The construction of the actuator, in one embodiment, reduces the width of the tape drive system, and allows the industry standard mounting with the necessary screw length. Additionally, in some implementations, the actuator comprises a smaller, concentrated moving mass coupled with a flexure construction having a narrowed width with added ribs for torsional stiffness. These aspects of the actuator provide a higher second mode of vibration compared to the flexure designs of the prior art. The actuator design includes a coarse actuator assembly for larger movements of the head, and a fine grain actuator, including a voice coil motor, responsive to analysis of servo signals.

Abstract: An example embodiment provides for an apparatus and method, for use in a tape drive system, that supplies tape azimuth error information transduced from servo read elements that are located on differing bumps of a magnetic read/write head. Non-azimuth error information is also transduced from servo read elements located on a read bump. The azimuth error and non-azimuth are utilized to correctly place the magnetic head at a currently selected track of the tape for which data is being written. In one implementation, the servo read elements utilized for transducing the azimuth information are substantially aligned with each other relative to a tape path and disposed on separate bumps. In another implementation, the servo read elements utilized for transducing the azimuth information are not substantially aligned with each other and are disposed diagonally on opposite bumps.

Abstract: A system and method for damping the motion of the head of a tape drive is disclosed. The method includes measuring the position of the head over time with a position sensor; damping the motion of the head based on the measured position of the head over time; and tuning the damping by varying a parameter of the position sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the position of the head of a tape drive is disclosed. The sensor includes a light emitter movably connected to the head; a light sensor movably connected to the head and rigidly connected to the light emitter and located to receive a beam of light from said light emitter; and, a light interrupter rigidly connected to the head and located for interrupting the light beam.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating a system comprising a host computer, a buffer, a tape drive and a tape is provided. The method includes writing data to the tape while the tape is traveling at a first speed; stopping the tape; determining a minimum distance to reposition the tape; and, thereafter repositioning the tape.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating a system comprising a host computer, a buffer, a tape drive and a tape is provided. The method includes writing data to the tape while the tape is traveling at a first speed; stopping the tape; determining an optimum second speed to drive the tape to travel; and, thereafter driving the tape to travel at the second speed while writing data to the tape.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating a system comprising a host computer, a buffer, a tape drive and a tape is provided. The method includes writing data to the tape while the tape is traveling at a first speed; stopping the tape; determining a minimum distance to reposition the tape; and, thereafter repositioning the tape.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the position of the head of a tape drive is disclosed. The sensor includes a light emitter movably connected to the head; a light sensor movably connected to the head and rigidly connected to the light emitter and located to receive a beam of light from said light emitter; and, a light interrupter rigidly connected to the head and located for interrupting the light beam.

Abstract: A system and method for damping the motion of the head of a tape drive is disclosed. The method includes measuring the position of the head over time with a position sensor; damping the motion of the head based on the measured position of the head over time; and tuning the damping by varying a parameter of the position sensor.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating a system comprising a host computer, a buffer, a tape drive and a tape is provided. The method includes writing data to the tape while the tape is traveling at a first speed; stopping the tape; determining an optimum second speed to drive the tape to travel; and, thereafter driving the tape to travel at the second speed while writing data to the tape.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for compensating for the written-in tracking error for a linear tape drive filters out spatial error components of a position error signal (PES). The position information contained within A, B pairs of servo stripes, and within C, D pairs of stripes is preserved. The timing between the A and C bursts and the C and A bursts is filtered, such as by low pass filtering, to filter out the error that can be written-in by a servo writer. The timing signal for the A, B bursts and C, D bursts are divided by the filtered timing signals for the AC and CA timing signals, respectively. This ratio provides the filtered PES signal used by a head positioner to precisely position the head with respect to the tape.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for compensating for the written-in tracking error for a linear tape drive filters out spatial error components of a position error signal (PES). The position information contained within A, B pairs of servo stripes, and within C, D pairs of stripes is preserved. The timing between the A and C bursts and the C and A bursts is filtered, such as by low pass filtering, to filter out the error that can be written-in by a servo writer. The timing signal for the A, B bursts and C, D bursts are divided by the filtered timing signals for the AC and CA timing signals, respectively. This ratio provides the filtered PES signal used by a head positioner to precisely position the head with respect to the tape.

Abstract: An effective technique for computing a statistical performance measure based on a samples of measured parameter values utilizes a one-time computation based on accumulations of the sum of the sample values and the sum of the squares of the sample values. The preferred embodiment computes variance and/or standard deviation, which can be used to compute other useful performance statistics. Using the accumulated sums, instead of the actual sample values, eliminates the need to store all of the samples until after sampling and the subsequent calculation of the desired performance metrics. The one-time calculation is relatively simple and fast. Because of the reduced data storage requirement and the relatively simple calculation, it is possible to imbed the desired calculation functions in a manufactured device as an automated self-analysis tool, for example, as a function of the processor of a disk drive or a tape drive.